Fifa president Gianni Infantino has said that football “cannot solve geopolitical problems” as calls grow for the sport’s governing body to suspend Israel over the conflict in Gaza.
Speaking after a meeting of the Fifa Council on 2 October 2025, Infantino stressed the importance of football in promoting unity during times of global unrest.
“At Fifa, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” he said. “Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino added: “Fifa cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
The remarks come amid pressure on FIFA to take action against Israel, similar to its suspension of Russia in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, just four years after the country had hosted the World Cup finals.
